In the interest of Mental Health Awareness Month, I explored keeping our heads up by thinking positively to counter stress. But now I’m sans serif somewhat differently, with some discussion about a beloved summer tradition.

It’s June. Summer’s kicking off. Nothing to be done about it, and summer lovers are thrilled. With the hotter temps rolling in and cooler temps moving out, one favorite cooking activity also kicks off, moving from indoors to outdoors: barbecuing.

Whether it’s the 4th of July or some other nice-weather day, chances are, someone is barbecuing. Barbecuing is tradition for many families. The unique flavor of barbecued food is a taste unrivaled by other cooking methods, and the whole barbecuing activity presents opportunity for families to get together. Some of the most memorable experiences happen outdoors during family get-togethers around the grill.

Planning A Barbecue (Social)

First, no barbecue would be complete without guests and good outdoor weather. Plan ahead, checking with your potential guests for scheduling conflicts and issues. Of course, this should be easier for small social gatherings serving as quick get-togethers. Finding a date and time suitable for everyone shouldn’t be too hard if everyone has advanced notice. We can’t predict rain/thunderstorms. But these days, weather forecasts as far as ten days ahead are available: allowing for a bad-weather backup plan.

Barbecues are normally associated with the backyard and sun, but outdoor fireplaces and commercial firepits can create ambiance and warmth for outdoor barbecues in cooler temps. Outdoors or indoors, warm weather or cool, cozy barbecues are sources for good memories of family and friends.

What’s Cooking?

Barbecuing has been around since cavemen figured out food tasted better after being cooked on an open fire. One of the key components of a family barbecue is the menu. Burgers, ribs, steaks, and chicken don’t have to be the meat staples. With so many dietary constraints and choices, a whole array of foods is available to barbecue, from T-bones to shrimp to tofu delicacies. Roasted or barbecued veggies are rather tasty, too. It’ll largely depend on your group and the event celebrated (if there is one). With the wide range of possibilities, at least a few items will be crowd-pleasers.

Begin prep 12 to 24 hours beforehand. Thaw, clean, debone, and marinate the meats you’ll cook and store (refrigerate) properly. While the meats are getting all flavor-induced, consider the types of side dishes you’ll serve. Traditional barbecue sides include baked potatoes, potato salad, baked beans, and coleslaw. Large bowls of green or fruit salads on hand help keep the health-conscious vibe going. Pasta salads are an easy, filling, and mostly healthy alternative for non-meat eaters. Your condiment bar: ketchup, mustard, pickles, relish, and onions. These foods are typically easy to prepare and store; most barbecue functions are complete with these basics.

Setting the Scene

If you’re interested in investing more time/work, a themed barbecue presents opportunity for a festive event. With a themed event, you splurge more on the atmosphere and decorations. To create a cohesive décor for the party, visit your local dollar store for matching tablecloths, napkins, plates, and other inexpensive party supplies. For example, a “luau” theme could be multi-colored utensils, leis, and Tiki torches—all of which are relatively cheap. And you can always reuse those Tiki torches …

Set up your party area before guests arrive. Because barbecues tend to lean on the way informal side, setting up shouldn’t take more than a half-hour. But the creativity and care taken may have guests reacting as if you’d been preparing and decorating all day. Depending on the situation, you may not want foods already cooking on the grill, but if you do, the smell will surely be inviting, drawing the guests in and kicking off the fun!

This barbecue’s rocking. As the saying goes, put another shrimp on the barbie …

Oh, a chapter in book four of my Dr. Naomi Alexander (DNA) fiction series features a family barbecue where more than food is cooking. Hurtful exchanges and double meanings provide plentiful side dishes…

Until the next blog, stay serif out there.